Town of Rose Water Works

The North Rose Hose and Chemical Company #1, among other names, was founded in 1915, and it would be in place 36 years before a municipal water system would be installed and ready for community use in 1951. During this time, a dependable water source in support of firefighting, and the community, had been a challenge until the Town of Rose established a water district and water system.

It was mentioned in several newspaper articles that the lack of water significantly impacted firefighting efforts, and that the only alternative offered was to feed off of the Salter Canning Factory and Cold Storage water supplies. Also mentioned was the use of railroad resources.

The articles gathered here highlight the public efforts and activities to study, plan and build the water works. It should be noted that Claude Collier, as committee chairman, was a key individual throughout the process.

On several occasions, prior to the establishing of the municipal water system, the Salter Canning Factory was depended upon for water in support of firefighting needs. The water source was a pond fed by the Glenmark creek just south of the canning factory. A pumping station was located at the pond, and water was pumped to a tower next to the factory just west of South Poplar Street.

The pumping station would have stood on the northeast corner of the pond and has since been removed due to safety concerns. The pond itself, over the years, has been overcome by wildlife activity.